03/03/16 Digital Edition

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Cover by Rebecca Dietrich

NEWS

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President Norton's 5 tips to success at SRU P

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ALEX MOWREY / THE ROCKET

President Norton gives a speech for incoming freshmen during the Weekend of Welcome.

To our new students,

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220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

Nationally recognized as one of the top 10 four-year weekly broadsheet newspapers by the Associated Collegiate Press.

Welcome to the Slippery Rock University family.

Whether you are joining us directly from high school or transferring from a community college or fouryear institution, you are about to embark on one of the most important journeys of your life – obtaining a Slippery Rock University degree.

Slippery Rock University is very different from any other place at which you may have studied. To take advantage of all that the University has to offer, both in-and-out-of the classroom, you need a game plan.

There will be plenty of opportunities throughout WOW and the first couple of weeks at The ROCK for you to learn what you shouldn’t do… like don’t go home every weekend, or don’t skip class, or don’t eat only tater tots and ice cream (even though both are nice treats every once in awhile.) So, here are some ideas about what you should do formulated into a fivepoint plan to help you be successful at SRU.

class, sleeping, studying, sleeping, eating, sleeping, exercising, sleeping, working and sleeping…so you might be wondering how you will find the time to get involved. Believe it not, the best students are those that get involved. Why? Because in order to handle multiple priorities, you have to learn to manage your time. And, time management not only requires practice, but it is a skill that you’ll need for the rest of your life.

2. Be willing to pay the price.

Someone once said to the famous violinist Fritz Kreisler…”I’d give my life to play as beautifully as you do.” To which he replied, “I did.”

Now, you might not know who Kreisler is, but I bet you know many people, men and women, who have had to work hard to be successful.

You can be successful at SRU. We wouldn’t have admitted you to the University if we didn’t have confidence in your ability to succeed.

But you have to do your part. You have to go to class, study, ask for help if you need it and offer help 1. Treat today as the day whenever possible. We can you begin to build your provide all the ingredients personal and professional for success, but you’re the resume. chef. Your success isn’t on anyone else’s head; it is your R e g a r d l e s s o f t h e responsibility. opportunities you may have had up to this point, SRU is 3. Learn to get along with the place to embrace new others. experiences. We have nearly 200 social, honorary and Most employers will tell special-interest clubs for you that people don’t fail you to explore. Interested because they aren’t smart in how government works? enough or don’t know how Then get involved with SGA to do their jobs, but because or RHA. Have a passion for they can’t work with others. capturing events with words It’s our goal, indeed our or images? Then get involved fervent hope, that while at with student media. Come SRU you’ll be introduced from a land-locked area? to people who are not like Try kayaking. The goal here you: people who come is to take some risks. Not from different cultures and the stupid, reckless risks ethnic races; people who that can result in injury, or have different religions; and get you sent home, but the people who have different type that force you out of lifestyles. Each person on your comfort zone and into this campus adds to the new opportunities. Doing tapestry of our University. so demonstrates to future Your goal should be to meet employers your willingness as many people as you can to learn and accept new who are different from you, challenges. to learn about their cultures, From this day forward, hopes and dreams. Will you every activity both in-and- like everyone you meet? out of the classroom should No. But I bet you’ll discover contribute to developing the that you will have more in attributes and skills that will common than what makes make you a better employee, you unique. And from that citizen and/or graduate. knowledge comes respect, I recognize there are a lot and with respect for one of demands on your time… another comes the ability

to live, learn and work together.

4. Do the right thing.

To be perfectly honest, by this time in your life you know the difference between right and wrong.

When faced with life’s challenges (and you will be) or a roommate’s double dare or peer pressure to act reckless, illegally or stupid, take a minute to think about how your parents, family or real friends are going to feel when they read about it in the newspaper (or online where it will live forever)… and choose to do the right thing. It takes years to build trust and only a few seconds to destroy it. This is especially true for education majors where one bad choice could mean you’ll never be able to earn a teaching credential. Remember, you are known by how you act.

5. Take care of you.

This may be last, but not the least important, point in my plan. You need to take care of yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. A Buddhist saying asks, “If you don’t take care of your body, where will you live?”

Good question. You need to eat right, exercise, get plenty of rest and balance class responsibilities with study time and play. Be patient with others and hope they return the same courtesy to you. Set goals. Dream.

In fact, dream BIG. You can’t exceed your wildest expectations if don’t have wild expectations. If you start to feel overwhelmed, ask for help. We have people everywhere ready to assist you. Talk to your community adviser, a tutor, an academic adviser or to one of the professionals at the health or counseling centers. You’re the reason they are here.

And remember, smiling and saying hello to others as you cross campus isn’t only a tradition at SRU, it’s good for you!

So, there you have it. My five point plan for happiness and success at SRU. I hope you will embrace this plan as the gift it was meant to be.

Welcome to the SRU family, we’ve been waiting for you.

Sincerely, Cheryl Norton, President

NEWS

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'Rocky the Rock' returns

Alumnus donates original mascot costume to SRU

By Haley Barnes News Editor

Before 'Rocky, The Pride of The Rock' graced football games and basketball games with his green mane and embodiment of school spirit, Slippery Rock University was home to a different mascot: Rocky the Rock.

The first Rocky the Rock mascot costume recently became an official part of SRU history, as the original wearer of the costume, Bob Jones, class of 1983, donated his handmade costume and other Rocky the Rock memorabilia to the Bailey Library Archives on Jan. 26.

Judy Silva, university archivist, explained that Jones decided to bring Rocky the Rock back after he had been in communication with Mark Chase, communication professor, and Chase encouraged him to do so. Jones came to campus on Jan. 26 with his wife to bring the costume.

Kevin McLatchy, archives technician, said that the University Archives are a great place for preservation and Jones was reassured that the Rocky the Rock costume would be left in good

hands.

Andrew Hill, intern at the University Archives, conducted an interview with Jones on Feb. 24, as Jones returned to campus for a second time and they discussed Jones' background and the history of Rocky the Rock.

"I grew up in State College, Pennsylvania," Jones said during the interview. "My family had season tickets to Penn State football since I was two years old, so I grew up watching the Nittany Lion mascot. So as a small child, not knowing fully what was going on on the football field, my attention was always drawn towards the Nittany Lion mascot. So when I came to Slippery Rock and attended my first game as a freshman, I was very disappointed to find that there wasn't a mascot at that time."

Jones' disappointment inspired him to create Rocky the Rock, with the collaboration of his parents, Dick and Frances Jones. "[My father and I] would get together on Wednesday evenings at a nearby restaurant and I'd mentioned it to him that one of my first impressions was that there wasn't a mascot at football games like I was used to at Penn State

because I guess I just assumed that every school had one," Jones said during the interview. "He looked at me very seriously and said 'well why don't you create one?' So right there on a restaurant napkin, we drew what we thought would be a unique mascot that still captured the unique name of Slippery Rock State College."

Jones explained that his family really wanted to create a mascot that children would be able to identify with, the way he once did when he saw the Nittany Lion.

J Jones' mother, a talented seamstress, handmade the costume for him based off of the napkin design. The design of the costume was patented, which Jones would later sign over to the university.

During the interview, Jones noted that it was very important that the overall appearance of Rocky the Rock was genderneutral, which is why the costume's face is very plain. He wanted the emotion of the mascot to not be portrayed in the face, but rather in the motions from inside the costume.

Rocky the Rock made his first debut in 1978 at an away football game against California State

College and was active until Oct. 4, 1997. Rocky the Rock became the official mascot of, at the time, Slippery Rock State College about a year after the debut.

"Nobody knew I was coming, nobody knew I created the costume," Jones explained during the interview. "We just made it very secretively and I just showed up on the sidelines."

Silva explained that Jones remained anonymous while active.

During the interview, Jones said it was very important that Rocky had his own identityy and not a student's identity.

"I wanted to be Bob Jones the student, but I wanted Rocky to be the mascot and not have any blurred lines in between the two and I think that it added to the mystique that nobody knew who it was," Jones said to Hill.

According to the interview, Rocky was a very mischievous mascot, causing Jones to find himself in trouble every now and then. During a football

game against Edinboro, Jones broke his ankle.

"I would always steal a cheerleader from the opposing team, throw her over my shoulder, bring her over and have our cheerleaders kind of interact with them and we did it as a very, very playful thing," Jones explained. "I would always take the cheerleader then back to where I got her, so I had returned an Edinboro cheerleader back to the Edinboro sidelines at a game at Edinboro and some of the Edinboro band pp y taken offense members apparently to what I had done, so they started chasing me."

Jones explained that while wh he was running, he could not n see properly due to the distorted vision of the headpiece and broke bro his ankle. While being loade loaded into the ambulance, Jones refused refu to take the headpiece off while wh the ambulance doors were open, open as he did not want to compromise comprom his identity.

While Jones was active as Rocky, Rocky the Rock was nominated nomin as homecoming king in 1982, but b did not win.

Jones eventually reveal revealed his identity at age 22 at a footbal football game against Millersville in 1982.

198 The Rocket later published an art article on the subject on Nov. 12, 1982.

After Jones grad graduated, Jeannie Boone and Dave Eubank both portrayed port Rocky the Rock from 1983 to 1985. However, Jones kept the original costume, co meaning that two new Rocky the Rock costumes cos had to be created.

Jones explained that th he is very humbled to have the original Rocky the Rock on display in the Univ University Archives.

The University Archives Archiv are located on the third flo floor of Bailey Library. Rocky the Rock, as well as other memo memorabilia, are currently on display disp for students to see.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SRU BAILEY LIBRARY ARCHIVES

(Above) Bob Jones, class of 1983 and the original Rocky the Rock, dresses a mannequin with the handmade Rocky the Rock mascot costume for display in the ock poses for a photoshoot during the 1980s.

University Archives, which is located on the third floor. of Bailey Library. (Right) Rocky the Rock

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OPINION

Our View

Find yourself first, your major later

OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu

220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: Fax: E-mail:

(724) 738-4438 (724) 738-4896 rocket.letters@sru.edu

EDITORIAL BOARD Janelle Wilson

Editor-in-Chief

Haley Barnes

News Editor

Amber Cannon

Campus Life Editor

Ryan Barlow

Sports Editor

Rebecca Dietrich Victoria Davis

Photo Editor Copy/ Web Editor

Chris Gordon

Assistant News Editor

Emma Pfeifer

Assist. Campus Life Editor

Cody Nespor

Assistant Sports Editor

Kendall Scott

Assistant Photo Editor

Amanda Salvia

Assist. Copy/Web Editor

Emily Brown

Multimedia Reporter

Mark Zeltner

Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Karleigh Santry

Advertising Manager

ABOUT US The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000. No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief.

The Rocket receives approximately 5 percent of its funding from the SGA Student Activity fee paid each semester by students. All other income is provided through the sale of advertising.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling (724) 7382643 or by emailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.

CORRECTIONS If we make a substantial error, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call The Rocket newsroom at (724) 738-4438. If a correction is warranted it will be printed in the opinion section.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Rocket are available. Subscriptions are $20 per academic semester and $35 for the full academic year. Inquiries should be directed to the Editor-in-Chief at the address listed here.

GRAPHIC BY KENDALL SCOTT / THE ROCKET

E nt e r i n g c o l l e g e a s a freshman is the first real taste of independence that most people have.

For the first time in life, people are taken out of every environment that has shaped who they are and their opinions on the world around them.

For t he past 18 ye ars, everything they’ve learned either came from their parents or teachers, or even their peers.

When they get to college, most people end up questioning their way of thinking, their belief system and who they are as a person. This is absolutely normal and part of growing up. In fact, this experience will help people to grow up and understand the world around them.

In four short years, students will be expected to emerge from this university not only with experience from their chosen field of study, but also as a well-rounded adult who is capable of thinking and making decisions based on who they are and what they believe in.

Not only will they learn who they are, but they will also

learn who they are not. College is a time when people should seek out experiences and opportunities that take them out of their comfort zones, and make them uncomfortable, if for nothing but the learning experience that comes with doing those things.

The first choice students make when they apply to Slippery Rock is what their area of study will be.

Some students pick out a major they don’t really like, but one that has a high starting salary and predicted job growth.

There is no bigger mistake than doing something for the money instead of their interest in it, and it’s the reason that over half of students change their major at least once.

For this reason, it’s important for incoming students to keep their mind and options open so that they don’t get stuck doing something that they don’t like to do for the majority of their adult life.

By doing this, students ensure not only their happiness, but their success. No one strives to go above and beyond for a job that they don’t love.

In the Quad

This do esn’t mean that a student’s interest has to translate literally to a field of study.

If a student loves art, but can’t find the practicality in getting a degree in art, then they could pursue a career in graphic design and advertising.

Students who are nervous about getting a job with a creative writing degree could instead seek a degree in professional writing.

As long as they have some interest and passion for their field of study, then they will succeed in it.

Standards of success will vary from person to person, but even if someone makes little money, but is happy and strives to be better in their chosen career every day, that person is thriving. Ultimately money doesn’t matter.

Students shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes and take chances. If someone has never made a mistake, then they’ve never tried anything new or taken a chance, which is worse than not making any mistakes.

This week’s question: What is the most important thing you learned during your freshman year?

In the Quad is a segment in which random students, faculty and staff are asked for their opinions on a specific topic.

EDITORIAL POLICY The Rocket strives to present a diverse range of opinions that are both fair and accurate in its editorials and columns appearing on the Opinion pages. “Our View” is the opinion of the Editorial Board and is written by Rocket editorial board members. It reflects the majority opinion of The Rocket Editorial Board.

“Our View” does not necessarily reflect the views of Slippery Rock University, its employees or its student body. Columns and cartoons are drafted by various individuals and only reflect the opinions of the columnists.

LETTERS POLICY The Rocket welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns, but does not guarantee their publication.

The Rocket retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes the property of The Rocket and cannot be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published.

Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any.

Please limit letters to a maximum of 400 words. Submit all material by noon Wednesday to: The Rocket, 220 ECB, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057. Or send it via e-mail to: rocket.letters@sru.edu.

Jessica Tager Junior Social Work Major Mansfield, Ohio

“It’s okay to change your major. What you think is your passion can change.

Find clubs that you’re really intereseted in so you can become involved”

Jake Shanahan

Jordi Ewing

Junior Resort and Hospitality Management Major Alburtis, Pennsylvania

Senior Computational Physics Major Warren, Pennsylvania

“People change and you figure out who your real friends are.”

“Stranger danger is a lie, don’t be afraid of strangers.

And don’t be afraid to say no. ”

OPINION

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Jaded college veteran offers tips to survive your first semester actually a pretty cool person with 5. Be ready to go on strange 8. Don’t tr ust any printer a wide range of interests. Go you. adventures with new friends. at any ti me for any th i n g .

Janelle Wilson Commentary Janelle Wilson is a senior journalism major and is the editor-in-chief of the

You must be new here. I can tell by the bright gleam in your eye and the lanyard dangling proudly from your neck. Don’t worry, it’ll be months before the enthusiasm is sucked from you as completely as the third cup of coffee the night before your first final’s week.

You’re a freshman, and unless you came into college with a rulebook for how to behave and succeed, then you’re probably as lost as I am trying to figure out what I’m going to do after I graduate. If only I had a dispensary of sage wisdom at my disposal. Consider yourself lucky.

1. Throw everything you know about being a “cool kid” out the window.

Oh, you were the quarterback of you r fo ot b a l l te am i n highschool? That doesn’t matter here. You were homecoming or prom queen and student body president? Fascinating. There is no interesting person who leads their introduction by saying that they were popular in high school. Here in no man’s land, it doesn’t matter how cool you were in high school, but how cool you are as a human being. And if you weren’t cool in high school, chances are you’re

2. Be careful about who you spend You know those new friends that your time with, you could be stuck I mentioned earlier? Well chances with them for four years or more. are that they are as strange as you are. Always be prepared for The best part of going in college midnight trips to Sheetz, early is meeting new people and having morning trips to Starbucks and new experiences. Unfortunately if you’re lucky enough to have a after awhile, those new people you car, first class trips to Butler and meet become lifelong friends. Do Grove City. Our world here may you really want to have that kind of be small, but there will be no commitment? The girl you lived shortage of other SRU students with freshmen year could wind on thos e same adventures. up being one of your best friends to this day, and that boy down 6. Keep your uniform straight, the hall who was “just a fling” w a s h y o u r h o o d i e a n d could wind up being a three and sweatpants at least once a month. a half year relationship (whoops.)

Choose your tribe carefully, you In college, being fashion forward will be stuck with them, after all. isn’t one of your top priorities.

W h i l e b e i n g t r e n d y i s n’t 3 . W h e n p a s s i v e a g g r e s s i v e necessarily important, being clean roommates are coming in hot, is. I know that $1.25 for laundry grab a shovel and dig a foxhole. can get expensive and rounding up quarters daunting, but at Roommate drama is inevitable. least keep your collegiate uniform Even adulthood doesn’t relieve looking presentable. It might even you from passive aggressive be wise to invest in a sweatshirt and texts, piles of dirty dishes and sweatpants for special occassions. hundreds of dollars worth of food that has gone MIA. There 7. The freshman 15 won’t is no way to come from this ke ep you lo oking hot, but fight clean, so duck and cover. it will help keep you warm.

If your professor is one of those who still demands print copies of papers, be sure to have your assignments printed at least a day ahead of time. The printers in the library bow to no man, so I wouldn’t even try there. Even your own personal printer will betray you, especially if you’re running late. Printers smell fear, and they will know immediately if you’re printing a paper at 7:50 for an 8 a.m. class every time. If you respect the printer, the printer will respect you.

4. Save up money so that you can fuel Slippery Rock does not have a your impending caffeine addiction. temperate climate within any interpretation of the word. If you’re When people warned me of the to survive daily walks to the quad dangers of drinking too much in the arctic winters that we have coffee, I laughed it off. I didn’t here, you’ll want to pack on a few drink coffee in high school, why pounds. Go ahead and indulge in would I need it in college? I’ve the cheeseburgers at Boozel, and never been more wrong about go ahead and go to Quaker Steak anything in my life. Three short the extra night every week. Every months later I was drinking a pot little bit helps toward surviving of coffee every day just to sustain your first winter here, just don’t myself. It’s best to start cutting forget to thank me when the rest your losses now. Who needs food of your friends try too late to when there’s coffee, anyway? pack on the extra survival weight.

10. In between all of the panic and rage, remember to have fun.

9. If you’ve always wanted to compete in the Hunger Games, go to Boozel during common hour and pay with a debit card.

There is nothing more agonizing than waiting in line at Boozel during common hour. Add the ridiculous wait time, and it is only made worse when someone tries to pay with a debit card. The easiest way to make yourself the most hated person in all of SRU is to pay with a debit card at Boozel.

Don’t be that person, and you will survive the Boozel lunch rush.

Freshman year was my favorite year of college. I learned a lot, had so much fun (in retrospect, maybe too much,) and met people who I am still friends with to this day. Luckily for you, you have three more years to worry about becoming a successful functioning adult, so take advantage of the year that you’re expected to make mistakes. Have a blast, and make all the memories you can.

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INSIDE SPORTS

Football Recruits

SPORTS

From Down Under

First year head coach Shawn Lutz opens up about his first recruiting class.

Women's soccer player Tess Keeley has made the long trip from Australia to play at The Rock.

See Page C-2

See Page C-2

Rock women take first

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATION

The Rock women's track and field team celebrate their first place finish at the PSAC Indoor Track and Field Championships on Feb. 28. The women tallied 135 points to take home the big win.

By Andrew Miloser Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock women's indoor track and field team edged out Shippensburg to win the 2016 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship over the weekend at Edinboro. This marks the fifth championship for the women's team.

"We didn't really look at the points from Saturday, we knew the more important events were on Sunday and those we're the events we could get points in," Rock head coach John Papa said.

As competition began on Saturday they had come into the final day of competition Sunday trailing Shippensburg by three points. The team had no fear as it battled to top Shippensburg with a total of 135 points over the Raiders 117 point total. Edinboro would take third at 71 points, Bloomsburg followed in fourth at 63 and California took fifth at 54 points.

With a total of eight events to go in the meet, The Rock took care of business to finish the meet strong. Leading the charge was senior Jasmine Bailey who cruised to victories in the

200-meter and 400-meter dashes. Bailey was named the most outstanding athlete on the women's side where she broke her own 200-meter record with a time of 24.84 seconds and was named to the All-Region team for the 400-meter race. She would continue to be strong in her 400-meter time at 56.69 seconds, a whole two seconds ahead of the competition which earned her an NCAA provisional mark. Bailey contributed to the team's 4x400 meter relay team, as they placed second in the event and Jasmine Bailey posted the fasted split amongst all racers.

Finishing off her senior indoor season with seven events was senior Sabrina Anderson. Anderson earned the Most Outstanding Overall Athlete Award for her effort and performance at the championship and was named to the All-Region team for the pentathlon and high jump. She clocked another NCAA provisional mark with her personal best time in the 60-meter hurdles at 8.76 seconds for the win.

With an eighth place finish in the 60-meter race at a time of 7.94 seconds, her total individual points tallied out at 21.

"She came in hobbling with a bruised heal but was able to finish strong in the 60 meter," Papa said.

The high jump event favored the Slippery Rock women, especially for junior Ashley West. West was the only one to

clear an NCAA provisional height at 1.72 meters and was added to the All-Region team. The women's distance runners kept pace and closed the door on the competitors. Senior Jenny Picot would place third in the mile with a personal best time of 5:01.16, and was able to anchor the distance relay team to place second on Saturday. In the 3,000-meter final, Picot would place second at 9:59.34 as well as graduate student Leah Anne Wirfel finishing fourth in the event at a time of 10:05.14.

Wirfel was also able to place second in the 5,000-meter race at 17:10.0. Picot was named to the All-region team for the 3,000-meter, the mile and the Distance Medley race. Wirfel earned All-Region honors for the 5,000-meter, the mile and the 3,ooo-meter races. Sophomore Anna Frengel was able to grab five points for the team with a throw of 12.81 meters.

Continuing her late season indoor track success was senior Sam Taylor. Providing another NCAA provisional mark was Taylor's third place leap of 11.72 meters in the triple jump.

"Winning the indoor championship is like a midterm.

The outdoor championship is our ultimate goal," Papa said. "We look at it now as 70 days until the PSAC Outdoor championships. That's where our focus is."

2016 Football recruiting class Announced

By Cody Nespor Assistant Sports Editor

Newly appointed Rock football coach Shawn Lutz had no trouble attracting high school recruits, signing 29 incoming student-athletes on National Signing day Feb. 3.

"The number one priority that we have is that we're going to take care of our backyard. We're going to recruit that area really hard," Lutz said. "When I think about the tradition in western Pennsylvania and what people stand for, football is what it's all about."

The Rock signed two very accomplished quarterbacks in Augustus Necastro out of Brookfield, Ohio and Nathaniel Musselman from Linganore, Maryland.

SRU also signed three extremely productive running backs.

Braden Fochtman from Berlin Brothersvalley was the leading rusher in all of Pennsylvania high school football and Dontez Rash from Benedictine, Ohio was

In response, Lutz and his staff signed the leading rusher in all of Ohio. Fochtman rushed for 6,724 yards and 92 touchdowns seven big, talented linemen. Mike in his career while Rash totaled 4,092 yards Arnold out of Montour, Brad Shaeffer from West Shamokin, Jake Tecak from and 45 touchdowns.

Plum, Austin Wayt from "The guy I'm most Canton Glenoak, Ohio, impressed with on offense is Brandon Zilavy out of Deer Dontez Rash. I think he can Lakes, Amon Youngblood make the most immediate from Woodland Hills, impact," Lutz said. the number four ranked The final running back guard in Pennsylvania, is Chacar Berry out of and James Willard, the Ringgold. number 14 ranked tackle in In terms of receivers, Pennsylvania.

Slippery Rock signed five Lutz thinks that guys, all from Pennsylvania. Scan this QR Youngblood and Willard Malik Mathis from Penn Code to view an Hills, Henry Litwin from interactive map on are guys who have a shot at getting some early playing Conneaut Area, Trey theonlinerocket. time next year.

Douton out of Charleroi, To bulk up the defensive line, SRU signed Ashton Teeter from Plum and Dylan two defensive ends in Zack Radinick Stapleton out of Indiana (Pa).

The main area of focus for the Green from South Fayette and Josh Bader out and White this year was the offensive line of Poland, Ohio and Wilford Clark, a big as they graduated four of their five starters 6-foot 287-pound defensive tackle from Woodland Hills. from last year.

Chad Kuhn from Kiski Area, Patrick Minenock from New Castle and Santino Birty out of Franklin Regional all played quarterback in high school and will make the transition to linebacker in college.

Dylan Whiteman from Plum and Tim Vernick (brother of current Rock linebacker Bob Vernick) both played defense in high school and seem to fit the mold of SRU linebackers.

The team added another converted quarterback in Daron Cooper out of Woodland Hills. Also signing were defensive backs Elijah Jackson from Canton McKinley in Ohio and Cameron Brookins from Steel Valley.

The final signee is honorable mention All-State kicker/punter Jake Chapla from Plum.

Slippery Rock will hope to carry on the recent run of success that has seen The Rock win back-to-back Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships and make three straight trips to the NCAA Division II playoffs.

SPORTS

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Australian soccer player discusses cultural differences in the U.S.

By Jordyn Bennett Rocket Contributor

Soccer in America has a completely different atmosphere compared to how it is played in Australia.

Junior midfielder Tess Keely is going into her third season as a member of Slippery Rock’s women’s soccer program and still adjusting to the cultural and geographical differences.

“The cold gets to me,” Keely said. “I love to play, so I just learned to deal with it.”

Keely said that the location and weather changes are the most difficult challenges in her adjustment. Back at her home in Australia, she lived only five minutes away from the beach. She said she felt out of place when she wasn’t able to just get up and go. An avid snowboarder, Keely said that she always thought she wanted to live in the snow until she came to The Rock.

The weather also shocked her on the field. She said SRU was the first time she ever played in the snow.

“I remember one game at Mercyhurst we had to play in the freezing cold and sleet,” Keely said. “I asked my coach could I wear warm clothes, and she said I could only wear gloves and a long sleeve Under Armour. It was crazy.”

In her first season at The Rock, she was named to Daktronics All-Region second-team, where she finished second on the team with 17 points off of six goals and five assists.

Last season, she finished second again at 13 points with four goals and a team high five assists earning thirdteam All-PSAC honors. However, those stats don’t mean anything to her.

“We don’t care about awards back at home,” Keely said.

“Everything is so statistical here. My mom and dad think it’s so funny that they can see my stats online.”

In Australia, Keely said they just play. There is no pressure and it’s a laid back atmosphere to go out and have fun, but it did not stop her from wanting to come play in the United States.

She experienced playing in America for the first time in 2011 when she played with her team from back home.

Ever since, she wanted to play here. She said she loves experience.

Her love for trying new things is the reason she decided to to be a hospitality, event management and tourism major.

“I didn’t originally come here for school, I came for soccer,” Keely said. “If I wasn’t playing soccer, I’d probably be traveling Europe or something. I appreciate school now though. It’s giving me the opportunity to experience the world and get an education while doing it.”

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Sophomore soccer player Tess Keely fends off a Shippensburg defender during a playoff game Nov. 3. Keeley was second on the team in points in 2015 with 13, four goals and five assists.

SRU’s director of athletics Paul Lueken said that is exactly what he wants to do for students outside of the country.

He and his staff mentor students academically, in the community and athletically, but do not focus on the cultural adjustment because he trusts in his athletes to bridge that gap.

“It is an easy team culture here,” Lueken said. “The

SRU culture is harder. We rely on the team to understand cultural differences.”

According to Keely, her American teammates are making her adjustment easier everyday she said.

“The difference between my friends here and my friends at home are huge,” Keely said. “We all like the same stuff back home, but it varies in interest with the people I have come to meet here, but that’s a good thing.”

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INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE

CAMPUS LIFE

Who Has The Best Coffee?

Diversity At The Rock

In a Twitter poll, The Rocket asked which place around SRU had the best coffee, and 113 votes later, we finally have the winner. Which coffee came out victorious?

The Office of Multicultural Development serves as a driving force for giving diverse opportunities and experiences to all students, faculty and staff of SRU.

See Page D-5

See Page D-5

SRU's timeless traditions "SAYING HELLO"

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Payton Lewis waves at Dakota Pletcher in the Bailey Library as part of the "Saying Hello" tradition.

"RUBBING THE ROCK"

"GREEN AND WHITE FRIDAYS" REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Taylor Schultz rubs the rock in the Quad for good luck.

By Emma Pfeifer

Green and White Society's Vice President of Traditions, Alyssa Trocci Asst. Campus Life Editor said Slippery Rock wouldn’t be what it Timeless traditions of Slippery is without its students and traditions.

Rock University have been dated There are four main traditions back to as far as the 1920s for students of SRU that are routinely used by to read upon in the archives of Bailey students and Green and White Library and also to experience every society members on the daily. day.

The first is the “hello” tradition.

Junior early childhood education This tradition creates a warm and special education major and environment and also a sense of

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Michael Dellorusso selects a green and white Slippery Rock shirt to wear on Friday.

pride in the community, Trocci said.

This practice entails saying hello whenever a person passes another at any time.

The first record of this tradition was in the 1938-39 academic year in the green and white handbook.

It is simply a nice thing to do, it doesn’t take much at all to say hello to someone, Trocci said.

Director of special events and

advisor for Green and White Society, Deborah Baker said the hello tradition is considered the essence of Slippery Rock spirit.

"When we meet with alums, they always say how much of a welcoming and pleasant campus this was for them," Baker said.

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Being open-minded and speaking up can change college experiences

Amber Cannon Commentary Amber Cannon is a senior communication major and the Campus Life Editor of The Rocket It’s scary. Packing up your things and moving out of your house, saying goodbye to your best friends, your peers and your teachers and saying goodbye to your parents.

You may start thinking, “I don’t know if I can do this. What if nobody likes me and I don’t fit in?”

Newsflash: these two thoughts cross everyone’s mind once or twice before coming to college.

During my time here at Slippery Rock University, I’ve learned two little secrets that can make college the best years of your life.

Be open-minded.

If you’re already an open-minded individual, you can stop reading here. If you’re a scared freshman, open-mindedness

comes at a very different level in college.

Your morals and beliefs will definitely be tested over the years while you’re in college, and while it’s very important to hold onto those beliefs and morals, it’s just as important to accept other’s beliefs and realize that they are different from yours.

If you aren’t totally immersed in the LGBT community, or you have opposing feelings about the LGBT community, I challenge you to go to a RockOUT meeting. Sit, listen, hear their stories and make new friends.

If you aren’t a feminist, go to a Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance meeting.

If you’re white, go to a Bla ck Action Society meeting. If you hate politics, get involved in the Student Government Association. If you’re an art major, go to a Law Society meeting.

College is all about thinking outside the box and opening yourself up to new experiences. Often times, you find enjoyment in the things you never thought you would.

Remember the saying, “opposites attract?”

It’s true. Sometimes the people who are most different from you can be the best friends you’ve ever had.

Being open-minded also means staying away from stereotypes.

Not all white people are racist, not all black people are mean and homophobic and not all Latinos are rambunctious and loud.

In my opinion, one of the worst things a freshman can do when they come to college is judge someone based on their appearance or based on their ethnicity or race.

Give someone a chance to share their story before counting them out. You never know what someone went through or

what someone is currently going through by just looking at them. You might be surprised.

During your first year of college, while everyone is trying to make friends, the best advice I wish I could have given my 18-year-old self is to find myself.

Often times, I find that it’s hard for someone to respect others if they can’t even respect themselves.

But here’s the other secret that can make college the best years of your life.

Speak up.

Don’t just agree with something because you’re afraid someone is going to have a different opinion than you. Here’s another newsflash: we’re all different, and we’re all going to have different opinions.

Say how you feel and defend yourself, because more than likely, someone is thinking the same thing you are, but is afraid to say it as well.

One of the most powerful things that you have is your voice, so use it. You’re going to be misunderstood along the way, but that gives you a chance to explain your reasoning to people who you would’ve never interacted with had you not spoken up.

If you made it this far, I commend you and I really hope you learned something while reading this.

My overall message to you, the class of 2020, is to join clubs you never thought you would join. Talk to people who are different than you. Go out of the country while you can and learn about different cultures. Be open-minded and accepting. Be outspoken, fearless and unstoppable. College is what you make it, so make the best of it, before it’s too late.

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9 Not all units are furnished at Main Street location** 9 24-hour emergency maintenance 9 Professional on-site management 9 Close proximity to SRU campus 9 Direct-wired smoke detectors 9 Fire extinguishers in each unit 9 Access to Clubhouse 9 Handicap apartments available 9 On-site parking 9 Close to SGA bus stop

Visit The Rocket office in 220 ECB or our website at theonlinerocket.com

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Carina Iannarelli as Beatrice holds Emily Daning, who plays Hero, as she weeps in "Much Ado About Nothing."

Students have a snowball fight outside of Building B during the

Emily Yunker holds Olaf, the snow leopard, in Morrow Field House

snow day when all classes were cancelled.

during Jack Hanna's visit to SRU.

ms for students student en s in Abersold Abersold Recreation Recre Lee Brice performs Center.

Qaadir Anderson-Perry walks the runway during the Dias de los Muertos fashion show.

Photos and Design by: Rebecca Dietrich/Photo Editor Ph

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CAMPUS LIFE

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SRU students vote Starbucks has the best coffee Of 113 students who voted in The Rocket’s online Twitter poll, a little under half, 53, think Starbucks has the best coffee.

47 %

Starbucks

28 %

T&B

19 %

Sheetz

6%

McDonald’s GRAPHIC BY JANELLE WILSON

OMD serves as a safe place for minority students

By Megan Bush Rocket Contributor

The Office of Multicultural Development (OMD) serves as a force for positive interactions between cultures on Slippery Rock's campus. It's a place where minority students on campus can go to talk, discuss their feelings and to feel safe.

The mission of the OMD is to provide comprehensive development of all students through the promotion of global awareness, cultural competence and social responsibility. Included in the OMD are clubs and organizations such as RockOUT, Black Action Society (BAS), Student Organization of Latinos, Hispanic and Allies (SOL) and Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA), to name a few.

Senior communication major and President of BAS, Yonshalae Powell said BAS strives to promote African American experiences on a predominately white campus, while serving as a support system for the African American community and encouraging students of all races and ethnicities to get involved.

Powell said BAS holds various social and educational events every year, such as their annual Homecoming party, the Ebony Ball, Pre-Kwanzaa and the Black Arts Festival. She said BAS also hosts cookouts at the beginning and end of every year, and that they're always looking for and incorporating new ideas.

BAS meets biweekly on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Student Center, and their meetings typically consist of discussions about upcoming events or recent happenings in the media.

Powell also mentioned that there is a big misconception about those who are welcomed at BAS meetings and events.

Many students believe that BAS is a blackonly organization, and that is far from the truth, Powell said.

“All students are welcome,” Powell said.

“It shows that someone is an ally and that they support us.”

RockOUT is the LGBTQIA++ organization on campus. Sophomore psychology major and information systems minor and President of RockOUT, Morgan Scott said RockOUT represents for all rights, including equality, gay rights and trans rights.

"We hope to promote a safe place on campus," Scott said.

RockOUT hosts fun and educational events on campus, such as the annual Drag Show and various events during Pride Week every year, Scott said. Scott said that this semester, RockOUT will be involved with a Lavender Graduation event on campus hosted by GISO, the President’s Commission for Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation.

Scott also said that RockOUT is not only for members of the LGBTQIA++ community; straight allies are always welcome at any meeting or event.

RockOUT currently meets every Tuesday at 8 p.m. in room 321 in the Student Center.

Yadira Lupian-Lua, senior public relations major and professional Spanish minor and president of SOL, said SOL works to spread awareness about culture, and is open to anyone who enjoys culture and is willing to learn.

SOL meets bi-weekly on Mondays at 6 p.m. in room 320 in the Student Center.

Lupian-Lua said that the meetings usually start with an ice-breaker, then they discuss their upcoming events. SOL attends events hosted by other clubs, as well, as Lupian-

Lua believes that clubs and organizations should “help one another by supporting one another.”

Lupian-Lua said that SOL aims to work as a team through collaboration and cooperation within the organization, as well as with other groups and clubs on campus. This semester, SOL is hosting an event called Cien Fuego, which Lupian-Lua described as a Latin-infused interactive art exhibit.

“I think it’s really important, especially for incoming freshmen, to be able to step away from their comfort zone,” Lupian-Lua said. “It’s good to feel a certain amount of discomfort, and students should embrace different types of environments and cultures.”

Sophomore secondary English education major and President of FMLA, Victoria Davis said FMLA is an alliance of feminists who work to promote gender equality and leadership of women on the Slippery Rock campus.

“Feminism is the belief that genders are equal,” Davis said. “We are not man-haters.

We have men, we have women, we have students who identify as transgender. This is a place for everyone.”

Final tradition calls for SRU students, faculty and staff to sing the alma mater Continued from Page D-1

speculation,” Baker said.

The magic rock has evolved with The second tradition is Green the expansion of the university, and White Fridays.

This involves students, faculty, while other rocks have been added staff and whoever supports the and placed on the campus as well.

There are four other rocks that university wearing green and white or Slippery Rock attire on Fridays. are also symbolic to the students.

This tradition is not documented Although these rocks don’t but it is assumed that it started necessarily have to do with the back in the 1940s when Slippery traditions, they represent a student's Rock clothing became available time at Slippery Rock. Placed near Weisenfluh to the bottom of the to wear.

"You should be proud to go steps by the Jack-Dinger Building, to Slippery Rock, and showing four rocks represent each class.

The first rock, representing the that to the community gives the university an even bigger sense of freshman, starts out rough and bumpy and transforms all the way pride," Trocci said.

The third tradition is “Rub the to the fourth rock, representing Rock.” The rock in the middle the seniors, which is perfectly of the quad on campus is said to rounded. The meaning of the rocks have “magic powers,” Trocci said. shapes is easily understood by the The story says that if you rub it students.

The final tradition is the alma during a midterm, test or anything important coming up, that it will mater and fight song. The alma mater was written by Adda M. give you good luck.

The rock has less history than Elliott in 1921. The fight song was Green and White Fridays, but written in 1928, but has evolved it has been a part of the entire throughout the years, and has been symbolic to the change and growth development of the campus.

“It has become a part of historical of Slippery Rocks relevance today.

Sophomore information technology major and member of Green and White Society, Sydney Cipolla said Green and White Society sing the alma mater at every single meeting.

"We try to encourage students to learn it and know it by the time they graduate so they can sing it at graduation," Baker said.

The majority of the students know what the traditions of Slippery Rock are, but to help gain a bigger sense of pride and community, the Green and White Society hosts tradition events for students.

During times like common hour, ambassadors have a wheel that they set up in the student center and other places where students can win prizes if they correctly answer a question about history and traditions of SRU, Cipolla said.

Another place to help students is the archives office on the third floor of Bailey Library, where students can look at old handbooks, books, pictures and more on the history of SRU.

Scan this QR code to watch an exclusive video of SRU students doing the timeless traditions or go to www.theonline rocket.com

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